I haven’t had pesto in a while, which is very unlike me because it is one of my absolute favorites,  so I jumped on the opportunity to make this dish! Easy to make, filling, and healthy. Sign me up!

Casserole Ingredients:

-1 teaspoon oil

-2 – 3 large shallots, chopped

-8 oz mushrooms, sliced — or you can substitute broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans for any of the vegetables —

-1 zucchini, chopped

-1 summer squash, chopped

-2 – 3 Tablespoons liquid aminos

-1 teaspoon thyme

-1/2 teaspoon oregano

-1 15 oz can beans, rinsed and drained

-1.5 Cup green peas (or carrots)

-3 Cups cooked rice

-Juice of 1 lemon

-Pepper to taste

-Optional : bread crumb topping

Pumpkin Seed Pesto Ingredients:

-1/2 Cup raw pumpkin seeds

-2 cloves garlic

-2 Cups chopped greens of your choice (spinach, kale, or chard)

-1 Cup chopped fresh basil

-3 Tablespoons olive oil

-2 Tablespoons lemon juice

-Salt and pepper

Pumpkin Seed Pesto Rice Casserole Directions:

-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees farenheit. Lightly line casserole dish with oil. Set aside

-Combine the pesto ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth, pausing to scrape the sides as necessary. Set aside

-Heat the oil for the casserole in a large, shallow saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and saute 2 – 3 minutes

-Add mushrooms, zucchini, squash, carrots, amino acids, thyme, and oregano. Saute 3 – 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender, yet still slightly firm.

-Add the beans and saute for another few minutes. Add the cooked rice and cook, stirring occassionally until heated through

-Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat

-Stir in the pesto. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle desired amount of bread crumbs on top (I just used a little bit). Bake for 20 minutes

-Remove from the oven and serve

XOXO

Yesterday I had such a great Sunday Funday! It just so happened to be National Siblings Day and I got to go to a Pawtucket Sox Baseball game with my brother! ( and boyfriend 🙂 ) I always love when my bro comes to town

Before the game, we went to one of my favorite restuarants ever…Julian’s in Providence! They have such great drinks, and even better vegan food! I got a vegan tofu benedict, and Sean got vegan pancakes (that were amazing)

After the game we went to the mall to do some shopping, play some games at Dave and Busters (we had a blast), and then we saw the new Batman vs Superman movie in 3D. Such a fun filled day ❤